Growing Forward 2 rolled out in Nova Scotia

May 29, 2013

Growing Forward 2 rolled out in Nova Scotia

Growing Forward 2, an agricultural policy framework between the federal, provincial and territorial governments was launched in Nova Scotia on Wednesday.

In a news release Minister Ritz said “Growing Forward 2 provides flexible, innovative programming for Nova Scotia's hardworking producers to ensure that they have the tools necessary to remain innovative, competitive, and to grow in new and existing markets." Minister Ritz was joined by Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture John MacDonell, who praised his federal partners - noting that the funding will help strengthen the agri-food economy in the province.

Over a five-year period, Growing Forward 2 will invest $37 million into Nova Scotia’s agriculture industry focusing on – innovation, competitiveness and markets, and industry capacity.

Other highlights include:

•$2-billion for federal, provincial and strategic initiatives (over five years)
•50% increase in cost-shared related funding
•$1-billion for federal initiatives
•Business Risk Management (BRM) will continue to receive ongoing funding to serve as a tool to protect farmers against market volatility and disasters.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.